https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-026-15453-1
Regular Article - Theoretical Physics
Exploring late-time cosmic acceleration in VCDM cosmology
1
Department of Mathematics, School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, SR University, 506371, Warangal, Telangana, India
2
Department of Mathematics, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, 500078, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
a
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Received:
11
July
2025
Accepted:
16
February
2026
Published online:
27
February
2026
Abstract
In this work, we have considered a minimally modified gravity theory that effectively reproduces VCDM-like behavior to investigate its cosmological implications. The model parameters are constrained using a combination of CC, RSD, DESI BAO DR2, and Union3 datasets. The model parameters are constrained using an MCMC framework, ensuring a robust estimation of credible intervals. We examine both background and perturbation-level observables, analyzing the Hubble parameter, deceleration parameter, effective equation of state, distance modulus, and the growth rate of cosmic structures through the 
observable. Our results show that the model successfully reproduces the observed expansion history, featuring a smooth transition in the Hubble evolution around 
, and consistent behaviour of cosmological parameters. The model outperforms 
CDM in the statistical comparisons for the full dataset combination (CC+RSD+DESI DR2+Union3). These results highlight the potential of minimally modified gravity theories with VCDM-like dynamics as consistent and competitive alternatives to the standard cosmological paradigm.
© The Author(s) 2026
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